Chapter 257 Sending a Message to the NPA
The MQ-9 Reaper lined up for a missile strike at one of the landmarks of the Malacanang Palace, the Malacanang Park. The park sat across the Pasig River, which served as a perfect target for sending a message.
"I have locked on the Malacanang Palace," Sara informed.
"Good, then pull the trigger," Richard instructed simply.
Without delay, Sara engaged the missile. The Reaper's payload was released, the missile accelerating rapidly towards the target.
The missile hit the designated area near the park, a safe distance from the palace, causing a significant explosion.
Meanwhile, inside the Malacanang Palace, the chandeliers shook violently from the blast, enough to alert every guard stationed there. One of them was Commander Reyes's lieutenant. Who immediately rushed towards his commander's office which is located in the presidential office room.
Arriving there, he didn't even bother knocking, he simply forced his way in and found Commander Reyes standing by the window, his eyes fixed on the billowing smoke rising from Malacanang Park.
"Commander Reyes," the lieutenant began, his voice urgent, "there's been an attack at the park."
Reyes, without shifting his gaze from the window, replied, "I can see that, Lieutenant. Any word on who's responsible?"
"We don't know, but one of our men stationed outside said that they heard a whistling sound over the sky, and saw a missile."
"Missile? Are you sure? Because that changes everything…"
"What do you mean it changes everything?" the Lieutenant tilted his head to the side, confused.
"The missile could have struck the palace but they chose not to. It must be that there's still left in the government, working from who knows where."
"That may be the case but I don't think it's the work of the Philippines Armed Forces. There are no helicopters or jets seen above. Something like that could have been done by a drone…" the Lieutenant speculated
Commander Reyes turned from the window, considering the lieutenant's words. "A drone, you say? Well whatever that is, it appears that the strike is trying to give us a message?"
"A message?"
"A message that there's still someone out there and they reject our newly established control," Reyes concluded. He understood that this missile strike was more than just a military action; it was a political maneuver, an act of defiance against their claim to power.
The lieutenant absorbed this, the gravity of the situation becoming clearer. "So, they're challenging our authority. What's our next step?"
Reyes sat down at his desk, his mind already formulating a plan. "We need to reach out to whoever is responsible for that explosion, and second is to discuss…"
"Discuss…not negotiate?" The lieutenant interrupted a hint of skepticism in his voice.
Reyes leaned forward, his expression stern. "Negotiations can come later, but first, we need to establish contact and understand their intentions. We must know who we're dealing with and what they want. Then we can decide how to proceed.
The lieutenant nodded. "I see, but how are we going to contact them?"
"We have broadcasted a message yesterday, right? That must be how they were able to know of our existence. Set up a broadcast again and announce that we are willing to discuss with them. They'll contact us."
"Understood sir, we'll set up the broadcasting equipment and make the announcement immediately," the lieutenant responded, determined to carry out his orders.
"Very well, you are dismissed."
The lieutenant saluted and left the room to organize the communication team and prepare for the broadcast. As he did so, Commander Reyes remained at his desk, contemplating the situation. He may appear strong or stoic on the outside but on the inside, he is nervous, panicking that there is still someone out there. He had believed that the government's control over Manila was secure, but the missile strike had shattered that illusion. As he waited for the response to their broadcast announcement, he couldn't help but wonder about the identity and motivations of those responsible for the attack.
Minutes felt like hours as the communication team worked diligently to set up the broadcasting equipment and relay their message. The tension in the palace was palpable, and every passing moment only deepened Commander Reyes's sense of urgency.
Finally, the broadcast message was ready to be sent out. Reyes turned his radio on to listen to what his subordinates were going to say.
"This is the NPA calling to those who have made an unwarranted attack on the seat of the government, we demand that you establish communication with us immediately."
Reyes clicked his tongue after hearing the message. It sounded like a firm demand from the NPA, indicating that they were not to be underestimated, which is something he wouldn't say to someone who has air assets.
Fifteen minutes later, Reyes tapped his foot impatiently as he awaited an update from his communication team. He couldn't shake the feeling that time was slipping away, and they needed to establish contact with the NPA as soon as possible to defuse the situation.
Finally, the Lieutenant's voice crackled over the radio. "Commander Reyes, we've made contact with whom we believe is responsible. They're on the line and ready to speak with you."
Reyes wasted no time in responding. "Put them through immediately, Lieutenant."
The Lieutenant swiftly connected the call, and the voice of a representative from the NPA came through the speakers. "This is the commanding officer of the NPA who currently holds control of the Malacanang Palace, the seat of the government."
"The government doesn't exist anymore," interrupted a person with a man's voice. It sounded young, like in the early to mid-twenties. "It was decimated during the apocalypse. It may be gone but that doesn't mean it can be restored by anyone, including you communist."
"Communist?" Reyes repeated.
"That's what you are, a communist. We don't want a communist regime to be set up in Manila while we fight for humanity."
"The what?"
"Our goals are beyond your understanding but I'm going to make it simpler for you guys. I want you to renounce your declaration as the legitimate government of the Philippines and mislead survivors who are in Manila, in exchange, we are not going to blow you up. You have until two hours."
"Who are you to demand that? Is this the Philippine government? If so, where are you?"
"Don't question us. Comply with our demands immediately or you'll be swiftly dealt with. Are you near the window? Can you walk towards the window?
Commander Reyes complied with the voice on the other end, walking toward the window, though he still had many questions. He could see the smoke from the earlier missile strike rising in the distance. "I'm near the window."
"Now, can you look up to the sky for me and tell me what you see?"
"I don't see anything," Reyes replied.
"Well, it doesn't matter because we can see you from up here. That's the scariest part, you don't know where we are in the skies but we have a missile locked on your target that will be dropped if you don't comply with our demands."
Updat𝓮d from freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.co(m)